STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN (December 10th, 2020) – Today, Annexin Pharmaceuticals AB (“Annexin”) announced that it will start in-human imaging studies to visualize the effect of its innovative ANXV compound in patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO). The study will be executed in collaboration with TRACER B.V. (“TRACER”), a CRO specializing in molecular imaging techniques and fast in-human clinical trials. The project is performed under The TRACER Excellence Program. A program that provides highly innovative technologies such as Annexin with the unique opportunity to accelerate its drug development under reduced costs.
The imaging study focuses on visualizing the binding of Annexin’s drug candidate ANXV to the areas of the eye that are affected by RVO. The clinical study will be based on a fluorescent molecule that is attached to ANXV without altering its function. In turn, the paired molecule will be infused into a superficial vein. The ANXV binding in the eye will be visualized using an innovative near-infrared ophthalmology slit lamp, an instrument used in standard clinical practice and research. The demonstration of binding is regarded as a powerful methodology to enhance the knowledge about ANXV as a potential RVO therapy. The study involves app. 15 patients with RVO and the plan is to present data mid 2021.
Annexin has appointed TRACER to execute and manage the studies in the Netherlands. TRACER will perform the study as part of its Excellence Program initiative that provides promising Life Sciences companies and projects with an exclusive opportunity to advance its technologies and development under financially beneficial terms, such as clinical translation at cost price.
“The fact that TRACER invited us to be part of their Excellence Program is a confirmation of our project´s scientific merits and it leverages our continued development of ANXV as a therapy for RVO. As a first step we will demonstrate that ANXV binds to the right areas of the eye as an indication that it may interact with the blockage of blood vessels leading to blindness following RVO. The choice of TRACER and the UMCG Hospital in Groningen is logical since Annexin’s A5 studies have been performed there previously. At the same time, the regulatory authorities that will approve the trial are familiar with the biology and safety profile of Annexin A5”, says Anders Haegerstrand, CEO of Annexin Pharmaceuticals.
Go van Dam, CEO of TRACER, emphasized “After hearing about Annexin’s program it was clear to us that ANXV is the prime example of a highly novel technology that can positively impact patients’ lives. Therefore, we are highly motivated to support the Annexin team to accelerate their drug development in the most efficient manner.”
About Annexin Pharmaceuticals AB (publ)
Annexin Pharmaceuticals AB is a world-leading biotechnology company in the Annexin A5 area, for the treatment of various cardiovascular diseases, which today is the most common cause of death. The company’s biological drug candidate ANXV – a human recombinant protein, Annexin A5 – is primarily intended for the acute treatment of patients with injuries and inflammation of the blood vessels. The company has an extensive patent portfolio for the treatment of diseases that occur due to the damage and inflammation of the blood vessels. Annexin pharmaceuticals has established and optimized a cell line for large-scale production of Annexin A5. For more information please visit www.annexinpharma.com or contact Anders Haegerstrand (CEO) at (+46) 0707-575 50 37.
About TRACER B.V.
TRACER B.V. is a Clinical Research Organization (CRO) specializing in fast-track solutions for the clinical testing of innovative biologic therapies as well as advanced nuclear and optical molecular imaging methodologies. TRACER provides its clients with the expertise, infrastructure and capacity to generate fast accurate first-in-human clinical data. This data shows whether the tested compound reaches the target tissue in humans, making clinical trials more cost efficient and products reach the market faster. For more information contact info@tracercro.com or visit www.tracercro.com.
